Zoning Inspector
Main Topic: Places and Regions
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society
Overview: Zoning inspectors, also known as zoning officers, are responsible for interpreting and enforcing property zoning regulations and requirements on behalf of the municipal or regional planning, zoning, and land use departments. They must ensure that new development and on-going land occupancy conforms to any applicable regulations regarding land use and zoning, drainage and storm water management, special flood hazard areas and nuisance abatement. The educational requirements for becoming a zoning inspector may vary by municipality, although you are typically required to have at least an associate’s degree or a college diploma from a two-year college or technical school in building construction, urban planning, architecture or a related field. Some duties may include: Maintain accurate and complete zoning inspection reports. Prepare zoning inspection report. Prepare and process zoning violation letters. Investigate and resolve citizen claims of possible zoning violations. Review legal descriptions, land title documents and plot appropriate information on maps. Perform photo research to gather information regarding correct legal description of property. Write and issue permits in accordance with the zoning ordinances. Determine land use compliance and legal accessibility and maintain accurate land use maps.
Geographers at work: Physical Geographers, Human Geographers
Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Management, Quantitative Methods, Human Geography, Regional Geography, Qualitative Methods
Skills: Regional Planning, Environmental Management
Occupation Group: Construction and Extraction
Learn more about Zoning Inspectors from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-and-building-inspectors.htm#tab-2
Written by Christopher Hinojosa